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View Full Version : What is a "go/no-go" gauge; what does it measure?

warmrain
6th February 2006, 19:45
Is it a bullet shaped thing that measure the chamber, or is it a chamber shaped thing that measures the bullet? :confused:
1911Tuner
6th February 2006, 19:57
It's a gauge that resembles an empty casing used to measure static headspace in a firearm with the bolt/breechblock in full battery. Distance measured is from the breechface to the cartridge stop point. In a straight-walled pistol case, the stop point is the chamber shoulder. (Headspaces on the case mouth) In a rifle that fires a bottleneck cartridge...breechface to a datum line on the shoulder...usually about mid-point. (Headspaces on the shoulder) In a revolver or any gun that chambers a rimmed cartridge, it's between the breechface or recoil shield and the rear face of the rim.(Headspaces on the rim) In rifles that chamber belted magnum cartridges, it measures from the breechface to the forward face of the belt. (Headspaces on the belt)

Static headspace is fixed while working headspace varies with each round fired, due to the different case dimensions.
Hunter
26th February 2006, 22:37
You can also get a go no go gauge that is the dimensions of a 1911 chamber to be sure handloads and crimp are within spec and will chamber.
Jammer Six
27th February 2006, 00:27
It's one of the most accurate ways to identify gunsmiths. :D
1911Tuner
27th February 2006, 00:35
It's one of the most accurate ways to identify gunsmiths. :D

LMAO!

And keyboard #5 just bit the dust. Jammer...I gotta start makin' sure I don't have a mouth fulla coffee or giner ale when I read your responses. I'm goin' broke buyin' new keyboards!
:D
brickeyee
28th February 2006, 12:10
Just to add a little more...
The set is actually two gauges. A 'go' gauge is the minimum length required to comply with chamber specs. Every gun should close on the go gauge completely.
The 'no go' is the maximum length allowed for safe operation. No gun should close fully on a no go gauge. If it closes the headspace is excessive. This can cause anything from slow brass stretching to catastrophic failure depending on gun design and amount.
In use you need to be careful to protect the gauges from burs and other abuse. It may be possible to force a slightly to short chamber to close on a 'go'.